So you want to break into the profitable (and slightly addictive) world of short-term rentals… but you don’t own any property?

Perfect. You’re exactly the kind of person who can build a wildly successful STR management business.

How do I know? Because I did it myself—starting with zero properties, zero capital, and zero clue, and scaling to 130 listings generating over $8 million in just three years. And now I’m here to show you exactly how you can do it too.

The truth is: Starting an Airbnb management company without owning property isn’t just possible—it’s one of the smartest business models in the entire real estate world.

Let’s dive in.

What Exactly Is an Airbnb Management Company?

Think of it as becoming the fairy godmother (or godfather) of property owners who want STR income without the headaches.

You handle the magic:

• Guest communication

• Pricing

• Cleaning schedules

• Maintenance

• Reviews

• Platform listings

• And every little “help, the toaster won’t turn on!” panic message

You’re the professional buffer between owners and guests—and for your trouble, you pocket 15–25% of the rental income.

No mortgage.
No down payments.
No renovations.
No risk of exploding hot water systems.

Just pure management revenue.

Owners win.
Guests win.
You win.
And your bank account really wins.

5 Steps to Launch Your Airbnb Management Business (Even If You’re Starting With $0)

1. Become the Local Market Guru

Before you pitch yourself to owners, you need to know your market better than Google does.

Study:

• Occupancy rates

• Hot neighbourhoods

• Nightly prices

• Seasonal spikes

• Local laws (because nobody loves a compliance fine)

Then stalk the top-performing listings like an Instagram ex.
What photos do they use?
What amenities do they brag about?
How do they set pricing during peak vs low season?

When you walk into that first owner meeting sounding like the local STR oracle… you’re instantly credible.

2. Create Your Irresistible Management Package

Every great management business starts with a clear “here’s what I do, and why you’ll love it” offer.

Consider including:

• Listing creation & optimisation

• Multi-platform distribution (Airbnb, VRBO, Booking.com)

• Professional photo coordination

• Dynamic pricing

• Guest screening & messaging

• Digital or in-person check-ins

• Cleaning & maintenance coordination

• Monthly performance reporting

Hot tip: Tiered packages sell.
Basic → Standard → Premium.
Let owners choose their adventure.

3. Build Your Backend Systems Before You Ever Get a Client

Systems = sanity.

Even if you’re managing zero properties today, set up:

• Property management software

• Cleaning workflows

• Communication templates

• Emergency procedures

• Standard operating processes

When you tell a potential client, “Oh yes, we already have templates, systems, and processes in place”… you look like a seasoned pro, not someone winging it with a Notes app and good intentions.  You do NOT need to re-invent the wheel by creating these documents / processes yourself.  Instead take a look at Julie's Templates for sale - Templates for Sale

4. Create a Marketing Plan to Get in Front of Property Owners

You’ve built the engine. Now let’s put fuel in it.

Try:

• A clean, professional website

• Facebook & Google ads targeting landlords and investors

• Networking with real estate agents

• Joining local investor meetups

• Reaching out to poorly performing Airbnbs (yes, they’re everywhere)

• Posting valuable content on social media

And remember, your first clients are GOLD.
Treat them like VIPs.
Give them results they’ve never seen before.
They will turn into your referral machine.

5. Sign Your First Clients (This Part Is Really Fun)

When sitting with a potential owner, focus on:

• Revenue potential

• Time savings

• Your pricing strategy

• Your systems

• Their headaches you’ll eliminate

• Getting the paperwork signed!! (Need help with putting together a great Management Agreement... use Julies template Management Agreement Template

Show your value.
Show your confidence.
Show them they’re in safe, capable hands.

If needed, offer your first couple of clients a small discount or a performance-based deal. The portfolio and testimonials you build early on are priceless.

Common Challenges (And How to Handle Them Like a Pro)

“But I don’t have experience yet!”

Create sample listing packages, sample revenue projections, and sample operations plans.
Or manage a friend’s place at a reduced rate to get social proof.

Seasonal income swings freak you out?

Diversify across different neighborhoods, guest types, and property styles.
And craft off-season strategies (discounts, mid-term rentals, digital nomads, travel nurses—hello!).

Client acquisition is slow?

Refine your systems.
Improve your pitch.
Audit your marketing.
Consistency beats talent every time.

How to Scale from 5 Properties to 50 (Without Losing Your Mind)

Once you’ve got a handful of properties humming along, it’s time to scale like a boss.

• Bring on contractors for cleaning and maintenance

• Create SOPs so your business isn’t glued to YOU

• Automate as much as possible

• Outsource guest messaging when you can

• Keep your owners informed (happy owners = referrals)

The goal?
A business that runs beautifully without needing you glued to your phone at 2 a.m.

Ready to Build Your STR Empire?

You don’t need to own property.
You don’t need a pile of cash.
You just need the right knowledge, the right systems, and the right mentor.

Starting an Airbnb management company is hands down one of the simplest, quickest, most scalable ways to get into real estate—and you can start today.

Want My Exact Systems, Templates & Scripts?

If you're serious about building your own STR management business, join my Million Dollar Host Mastermind.

Inside, you’ll get:

• Weekly coaching from Julie and her amazing Coaches (Matt & Craig, who operate over 80 properties in the USA)

• Monthly expert Masterminds

• Templates, scripts, contracts & checklists

• Access to 130+ global hosts & operators

• Accountability, support, and real-world strategies

Join the Million Dollar Host Mastermind Today! Mastermind Page
→ Your future self will thank you.

Not quite ready?
Book a free 15-minute discovery call BOOK HERE and we’ll see if STR management is right for you.